FREIGHT DRIVERS CAN NOW REST EASY AT MOE

Freight drivers travelling along the Princes Highway can now take a break at the newly completed Moe Freight Rest Area.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack and Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Roads Ros Spence today announced completion of the $2.96 million Moe Freight Rest Area, which will provide a safer opportunity for freight drivers to stop and rest along the busy Princes Highway.

This project was jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments as part of a strategy to provide increased rest areas to reduce the risk of crashes along the Princes Highway between Longwarry and the NSW border.

Mr McCormack said the Federal and Victorian Governments are upgrading the Princes Highway East to support road safety improvements for regional areas.

“The new freight rest area complements work already completed or underway along the highway, including the construction of a duplicated highway between Traralgon and Sale, upgrades between Sale and the NSW border such as new overtaking lanes, shoulder sealing and intersection upgrades,” Mr McCormack said.

Ms Spence highlighted the importance of safety on the Princes Highway East because of its busy freight movements.

“This new freight rest area will provide five bays at the western entrance into Moe, giving drivers a safe place to recharge and reduce the risk of fatigue.”

Federal Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent said, “it’s important that we, as a Government, continue to make safety a priority and this project is contributing to just that.”

State Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the works will not only boost safety, but also benefit visitors to the area.

“We’ve upgraded the highway exit ramp and car and caravan parking outside of Old Gippstown, which is good news for visitors coming to Moe.”

Around 30 indigenous/native species trees have also been replanted to provide a pleasant environment for the freight rest area and to make the entry into Moe more visible and welcoming for residents and visitors.

Project staff worked closely with Moe community groups, the freight industry and Latrobe City Council throughout the development of the project.